Senate waits for Trump’s approval to vote on Russia sanctions; 50-day deadline set for Putin to make a peace deal on Ukraine.

Senate Stands By as Trump Sets Sanctions, Peace Deadlines

The United States Senate is prepared to advance a major bipartisan Russia sanctions bill as soon as President Donald Trump gives his endorsement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced Wednesday that the legislation—co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.—is aimed squarely at pressuring Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine and deterring nations that continue to support the Kremlin by buying Russian oil and gas.

The bill, which already has 85 co-sponsors, would impose sweeping penalties on Russia’s economy and secondary sanctions on countries enabling President Vladimir Putin’s war machine. However, the Senate is holding back a final vote pending direction from the White House. “We ought to do whatever we can to help Ukraine succeed and to put pressure on Russia to come to the table,” Thune told reporters. He added that lawmakers want to work with the president and act as partners in the response to Russian aggression.

President Trump has recently taken a more assertive stance on the conflict. On Monday, he announced that the United States would sell weapons to NATO allies for distribution to Ukraine and threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on any country trading with Russia if a deal to end the war is not reached within 50 days. The ultimatum follows several earlier deadlines set by Trump, which have come and gone without significant breakthroughs.

Russia Responds as Drone Attacks Escalate

In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov rejected ultimatums, insisting that “the diplomatic path is the one we prefer” and that Russia remains ready for negotiations. However, he made clear that Moscow’s war aims remain unchanged, and Ukrainian officials say Russian demands effectively call for Ukraine’s capitulation.

Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to suffer from relentless Russian drone attacks. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that over 400 drones were launched at multiple cities, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih. Civilian areas have been repeatedly targeted, raising international concern about the humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict.

Thune emphasized the need for American leadership and strategic leverage in pushing Russia toward a negotiated settlement. “The president wants peace in these areas of conflict around the world,” he said, “but at some point, there's got to be leverage on Russia. And right now, they are continuing to fire into areas where they are killing innocent civilians.”

The coming weeks will be critical as Washington weighs new sanctions and the international community looks for signs of progress toward ending the war. Senate action on the sanctions bill could dramatically increase pressure on Moscow, but only if President Trump signals it is time to move forward.